Graduate International Students

Are you an international student who is interested in taking graduate courses at Northwestern? Our school is pleased to facilitate the academic and spiritual needs of students from around the world. Find out more about the enrollment process to ensure you experience a smooth transition.

An international student who desires to attend a university in the U.S.A. without maintaining residency or citizenship can do so with an F-1 visa. Due to the extensive process required to become an international student, we recommend you contact us well in advance of when you plan to begin your program. We also have numerous online degree options that can be pursued from anywhere in the world!

F-1 Visas

Generally, an F-1 Visa accommodates people who are not U.S. citizens, not legal permanent residents or refugees, or dual citizens who completed their secondary schooling abroad. You are considered an international student if you decide to study under a nonimmigrant visa status.

Chinese Graduate Students

Jennie Yu Yi学校简介 is our admissions counselor that specializes in helping international students from China.

Bachelor's degree equivalent as reported by an international transcript evaluation organization from the NACES approved membership list

Have transcripts of all previous (undergraduate and graduate) international college work evaluated by a NACES approved organization.

Submit any transcripts from U.S. institutions

Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale)

Likelihood of academic success at Northwestern.

3. Complete the Financial Verification Form (FVF) (received from Admissions) and return it to the Admissions Office.

Note: Please ask your admission counselor for this form. The line "Total Resources" on the FVF must balance the line "Total Costs." You must demonstrate the ability to cover the cost of an entire year of education. We strongly encourage you to complete these three steps at least two months prior to the term start date. Any other necessary paperwork needed for admittance or for obtaining your I-20 will be discussed with your admissions counselor.

Application Checklist

Completed, signed application

Application fee of $50 (money order payable to University of Northwestern)

Admission essays

If cumulative GPA is less than 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) from all previous (undergraduate and graduate) college work, an additional academic essay as outlined in the application packet.

International education credential evaluation report prepared by and directly sent from one of the NACES approved members

Admission Decision

When we receive your completed application checklist items, your test scores and your financial verification form in satisfactory condition, your documents will be reviewed by the admissions committee and you will be notified of your admission status within 1–2 weeks.

Housing policy

Graduate students cannot live in residence halls. They must make their own off-campus housing and transportation arrangements. Leased housing in the Pittman South Residence or the Southeast Residence building may be available for graduate students.